Illinois-Chicago Flames Logo PNG
The logo of the Illinois-Chicago Flames reflects the University of Illinois at Chicago’s fiery spirit and sports interests. The modern style showcases the club’s primary colors and characteristics, emphasizing its affiliation with the university in its name.
Illinois-Chicago Flames formed within a large urban university without early facilities or long traditions. Athletic activity dates to the 1880s, when the College of Physicians and Surgeons fielded football and basketball teams in “red and iodoform.” The modern basketball program began in 1947 and spent years in the NAIA.
In 1981, the university entered NCAA Division I as Chicago Circle, without a nickname or conference. A year later, the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle merged with the University of Illinois Medical Center. Students chose the name Flames, referencing the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and adopted red and dark blue from the city flag.
UIC became a founding member of the Association of Mid-Continent Universities in 1982 with Cleveland State, Northern Illinois, Wisconsin–Green Bay, and Wright State. In 1983–84, the team won the Mid-Continent title with a 12:2 record and reached 22 wins. Under Stanley Hallberg, UIC added three straight titles from 1992 to 1994.
In 1994, the program moved to the Midwestern Collegiate Conference, later known as the Horizon League. The first NCAA Tournament was in 1998, under Jimmy Collins, against Florida. Returns followed in 2002 and 2004, with 24 wins in the latter season. Collins led the program from 1996 to 2010, recording 218 wins.
Baseball produced Curtis Granderson, later an MLB All-Star and the 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner, who donated $5 million toward a stadium. Women’s softball reached the Women’s College World Series in 1994, while volleyball won four AIAW titles from 1972 to 1975.
In January 2022, UIC announced it would join the Missouri Valley Conference, alongside Drake, Loyola Chicago, and Missouri State, with play starting in July.
Meaning and History
The last two versions of the Illinois-Chicago Flames logo are very similar. The designers made no changes other than modifying the palette. Now, it closely matches the university’s official color scheme, which includes dark blue and red similar to those of a fire truck.
What is Illinois-Chicago Flames?
The Illinois-Chicago Flames (more precisely, the UIC Flames) are the sports program at the University of Illinois at Chicago, comprising 18 student teams. They compete in the NCAA at the Division I level. As of the 2022-2023 season, all participants are members of the Missouri Valley Conference. Two men’s teams are part of the Southland (tennis) and MAC (swimming and diving).
1992 – 2007
The 1992 emblem is simple in its composition. Its main elements are the flame, a bright blue geometric figure, and the inscription “UIC Flames.”
2008 – today
In 2008, after a redesign, the shades of red and blue became darker. The proportions and details remained unchanged.
Illinois-Chicago Flames Basketball Logo
The men’s basketball team is notable for participating in the National Invitation Tournament and for three appearances in the NCAA March Madness. However, they have not advanced past the first round in any of these competitions.
Illinois-Chicago Flames Soccer Logo
The Illinois-Chicago Flames’ soccer team is more successful than its basketball team. They have participated in many championships and have repeatedly placed in the top ranks.
Font and Colors
The main symbol of the Illinois-Chicago Flames team is a blazing flame with scarlet and yellow stripes. Below diagonally is the acronym “UIC,” representing the University of Illinois at Chicago, and the nickname “Flames.” Both words are written in a sans-serif font.